Newman-Hall says goodbye to Blanc at second attempt

Raymond Blanc and Orient-Express Hotels have appointed a new general manager for the Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons hotel in Great Milton, Oxfordshire.

Jonathan Orr-Ewing will take over the position on 9 February, following the departure of Philip Newman-Hall.

Orr-Ewing moves to Le Manoir after eight years as general manager of the 120-bedroom Montcalm Nikko hotel in London's Marble Arch.

Newman-Hall had announced his resignation from the four-star hotel in August 2001, saying he was leaving to open his own hotel in the West Country. He was unable to find a suitable property, however, and when it was discovered that Le Manoir's joint owner, Virgin, was selling its stake in the business, he decided to stay on.

Newman-Hall, who resigned again eight months ago, said he had promised Blanc that he would continue as general manager at the hotel while the new 50% owners, Orient-Express Hotels, and Blanc settled into their new relationship. He added: "I've come to the point now that I need to move on."

Newman-Hall plans to take several months off to go travelling. He said he had "nothing sorted" yet, but had several potential offers, including starting up a company in the UK and a general manager position at a hotel in the USA.